Uganda Cranes captain and legendary forward Emmanuel Arnold Okwi has officially retired from international football.
The announcement was made on March 18, 2025, through his social media platforms, marking the end of an illustrious career with the national team.
“Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream that came true. Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling, and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honor,” Okwii said.
The 32-year-old, who debuted for the Uganda Cranes in 2011, has been a pivotal figure in Ugandan football. Over his 14-year international career, he earned 95 caps and scored 28 goals, becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer.
He captained the Cranes in recent years, following the retirement of Denis Onyango in 2021.
The forward’s club career has been equally remarkable. He played for top clubs across Africa and beyond, including SC Villa (Uganda), Simba SC and Young Africans (Tanzania), Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt), and Sønderjyske (Denmark). Most recently, he represented AS Kigali in Rwanda.
Okwi’s retirement marks the conclusion of a decorated chapter in Ugandan football history. His leadership and contributions to the Cranes will be remembered as an inspiration for future generations of players.
